Cervical Cancer

Hello -

I was diagnosed with stage 2A cervical cancer 3 years ago.  I had 26 rounds of external and 6 rounds of internal radiation along with chemo.  Due to a bleeding event prior to my diagnosis I was not able to have surgery. I know how scary a diagnosis can be, the treatments,waiting for results,  the recovery.  If anyone would like to ask me questions about my experiences, please do so. Obviously everyone's cancer is different and only doctor can give medical advice,  but sometimes it helps to talk to someone who's been through it.

Prayers to all that are facing this disease.

Laura P.

Parents
  • Hi I am not sure if you will see this message but I am desperate to talk to someone as I am terrified. I had a smear test done on Friday my first one I am 39 I suffer with severe anxiety and depression so always put them off as the fear made me seriously ill. I actually was proud of myself for going on Friday I knew it had to be done as I have children and I've been feeling a little better with my anxiety up until now. They found a mass on my cervix pretty big and they were very concerned they have referred me to a cancer specialist who deals with colonscopy ever since my smear test I have been getting throbbing aching pain in my private area and pelvis I also suffer with watery discharge have done for as long as I can remember. I don't have any bleeding as of yet but I am convinced I have cervical cancer I was finally given the appointment to see to see the specialist on Monday and i am terrified she is going to give me bad news specially with the pain I am dealing with it doesn't sound to promising for me. My mind won't shut off and I am constantly terrified I lost my cousin 3 years ago to cervical cancer so i know what to expect I just want someone who understands to talk to as I feel so alone right now I really hope you you this reply xxx

  • Hi Sara,

    I'm so sorry you are going through this and feeling scared. But you are not alone, there is me and [@Minska]‍  and [@AMF]‍ and many more out there, I'm sure. You are on the right track and doing what is the most important, getting checked out and taking charge of your health. Yes, waiting is the worst part but once you know what's going on you can confront it and make a plan on how to proceed. I feel like no matter what happens, you will be well on your way to managing your health anxieties. You are right to be proud of yourself, now take it one day, one appointment at a time. Keep us posted.

    Laura xx

  • I am so glad you are doing well hun and you beat it I hope for the same outcome and pray I don't end up the same way my cousin did. I just felt so deflated when I saw the blood this morning and its still happening now ive also got bad right leg upper pain and that is another symptom oh the joys. All I can do is hope and pray to God for my children's sakes but I know what I am going to be told tomorrow I keep trying to prepare myself xx

  • Let us know how you get on tomorrow Sara and you will get plenty of support on here to deal with anything, if you need it, xx

  • Thank you so much I really appreciate it I will let you know as soon as I get back xx

  • Just remember that there can be so many different reasons for bleeding, not always cancer. And if it is something, you will be able to work on getting it taken care of. Dont lose hope!

    Let us know how it goes tomorrow.

    Laura xx

  • Thank you so much Laura be glad when it's all over and done with and I finally find out what's what but at the same time so scared to. 

    Can't believe I just suddenly started bleeding today its stopped now and it was only tiny amounts I am such a shy person and I have to do all this over again which is terrible for me :( xx

  • Don't worry about being shy, doctors are used to it, believe me. 

    Get some rest! xx

  • Thank you Laura. Today is the day I find out if it is cervical cancer or not. I know what the outcome will be but hearing it is terrifying I wish it was this morning so I can get it out the way and not be sat around worrying xx

  • I recieved my smear tests results today which came back as HPV negative and there is a very small chance I will develop cervical cancer its hard for me to feel happy about it considering I still have to go and have this colposcopy today and still getting pain, discharge and bleeding which clearly isn't a good sign :( I am terrified I have a sinking feeling this appointment isn't going to go very well at all for me xx

  • I recieved my smear test results today and they came back as HPV negative i was hoping that would cheer me up but it hasn't as I still have this mass with bleeding, discharge and pain and my colposcopy at 3.10 today I just know its going to end up bad news for me because of all my symptoms why can't I just stop being anxious xx

  • Hi Sara

    I'm sorry you can’t feel any relief at your negative HPV result.

    HPV causes abnormal cells, which if left untreated could, in years, turn to cervical cancer. Almost 100% of all cervical cancer is caused by HPV, so a negative result is actually a really positive thing to get.

    I appreciate that you are still worried about your ongoing symptoms, but hope your appointment goes ok this afternoon. xx

Reply
  • Hi Sara

    I'm sorry you can’t feel any relief at your negative HPV result.

    HPV causes abnormal cells, which if left untreated could, in years, turn to cervical cancer. Almost 100% of all cervical cancer is caused by HPV, so a negative result is actually a really positive thing to get.

    I appreciate that you are still worried about your ongoing symptoms, but hope your appointment goes ok this afternoon. xx

Children
  • Hi thank you so much for the reassurance someone said to me not to be hopeful as it doesn't mean that the mass isn't cancerous so it knocked me back again. It's the pain and blood spots in my discharge which Is worrying me as its all signs of cancer. It is more reassuring then if the letter came back positive then I would be a complete anxious wreck so I should be happy with the result xx

  • The thing I always used to say to myself was “until there’s something to worry about, there’s no point in worrying”. Not easy but it’s better than thinking the worst! The symptoms you are having are not just symptoms of cancer, and I think when we hear the word “mass” we automatically think it’s something enormous when it might actually be small-it’s just a term doctors use. 

    I’m not sure if it’s a doctor who has told you not to be too hopeful? If it is, that’s not helpful at all. Only a biopsy will be able to confirm cancer. xx

  • Hi hun 

    Great news she checked my cervix and said it was perfectly normal no sign of cancer it was a red mark on my cervix not a mass so all that worrying it was a mass when it wasn't. She said I more then likely have and ectropian but definitely not cancer and my smear was clear to which was a good sign I can't explain how happy I am I have worried myself sick the past 10 days xx

  • Sara, 

    So good to hear!  I hope you are able to take a deep breath and relax now! 

    Laura xx

  • Sara, this is excellent news! I’m very pleased you had such a great result after all your worries. xx

  • Can someone please offer me any advice / reassurance? I'm out of my mind with worry. I've been having stomach and pelvic pain along with lower back pain and increased watery discharge. Also Weeing more often and change in Bowel habits. I've had investigations for bowel and ovarian (pelvic ultrasound ) and all were fine. It's just occurred to be though that gp hasn't considered cervical cancer. I'm now convinced that what I have. I had CIN1 in 2018 and a cervical erosion. Had cold coagulation then and 2 clear smears since. Can anyone offer reassurance that discharge doesn't necessarily mean cervical cancer or that it's unlikely to have grown since treatment in 2018 to a point where it's causing all these symptoms? I'll try speak to my gp tmw but in the mean time any reassurance would help? 

  • Hi worried

    I’ve replied on your other post, so won’t repeat myself here. xx